Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema turned down an incredible offer from French president Emmanuel Macron ahead of the World Cup final, according to stunning reports.
Benzema has missed the FIFA tournament in Qatar after suffering an injury to his left thigh, despite Didier Deschamps not replacing him in his 26-man France squad.
The 34-year-old Frenchman, who returned to the France national team in 2021, returned to full training with Los Blancos after recovering from his thigh injury.
Benzema has been linked with a sensational comeback at the World Cup, with France boss Deschamps refusing to offer a clear-cut answer on a potential return.
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The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner would still earn himself a World Cup medal even without playing a single minute if France beat Argentina in the final.
According to reports, Benzema is unhappy with Deschamps and does not plan to fly out to Qatar to support the defending World Cup champions on Sunday.
RMC Sport (via Get French Football News) now reports that the Los Blancos captain ‘rejected’ an offer from French president Macron.
It is believed that Macron offered Benzema a place on the presidential plane so that he could attend the World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium.
France legend Zinedine Zidane has reportedly ‘turned down’ an offer from the French Football Federation to attend the World Cup final.
It is believed the former Madrid manager, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, does not want the focus to be on him ahead of his country’s title defence.
Benzema has been cryptic on Instagram and appeared to throw his support behind his former manager after Zidane turned down the World Cup final invite.
The France international posted a picture of himself hugging Zidane during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris back in October.
Benzema accompanied the picture with the caption “Bonne niut,” which translated to “Good night” amid reports that he is ‘furious’ with Deschamps for sending him home.
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The Los Blancos skipper on Saturday posted another cryptic message by saying he ‘doesn’t care’ amid speculation he could return to the France squad for the World Cup final.
Copa America champions Argentina and 2018 World Cup title holders France will kick off at 3pm UK time in the final in Qatar.
Topics: Karim Benzema, France, Football World Cup, Football
Adnan Riaz